FRANCISCAN FAMILY

1
FRANCISCAN FAMILY

• ORIGINS

2
EARLIEST SOURCES

• Life of Saint Francis 1228-29
• Legend of the Three Companions 1241-47
• Legend of Perugia 1240-41

3
LATER SOURCES

• Major Life 1263
• Little Flowers of St Francis 1337

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LIFE OF ST FRANCISFriar Thomas of
Celano1228nn. 36-37
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LIFE OF ST FRANCIS

• The laity were converted by
• the life and teaching of Francis
• his discipline and leadership
• his way of life for them
• Divine inspiration

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LIFE OF ST FRANCIS

• charismatic
• a gift to the Church
• to build Body of Christ
• his way of life confirmed
• Father of a spiritual family

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LIFE OF ST FRANCIS

• The Franciscan Family
• SFO is an integral member
• A secular Order

8
LEGEND OF THE THREE COMPANIONSFriars Leo,
Angelo, Rufino1246n. 54
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LEGEND OF THE THREE COMPANIONS

• The laity were converted by
• preaching, example of Francis
• his direction, guidance, discipleship
• Divine inspiration

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LEGEND OF THE THREE COMPANIONS

• The Franciscan Family
• SFO bound to friar Orders
• in birth, life, and growth
• in spirit

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LEGEND OF THE THREE COMPANIONS

• Growth of Franciscan Family
• From personal relations with Francis, Clare and
  companions
• Three Orders rise, decline together depending on
  their way of life

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LEGEND OF PERUGIAAnonymous1246n. 34
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LEGEND OF PERUGIA

• History of the Third Order
• n. 27 save your souls in your house
• n. 34 many entered the Order

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LEGEND OF PERUGIA

• The laity were converted by
• example, preaching of Francis and friars
• liturgical prayer
• Grace of God

15
MAJOR LIFE OF ST FRANCISSt Bonaventure1263Chap
ter 4, n.6
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MAJOR LIFE

• The laity were converted by
• preaching of St Francis
• his rule of penance
• miracles

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MAJOR LIFE

• The Franciscan Family
• unites laity, religious, priests
• follow Christ in the footsteps of St Francis
• SFO holds special place
• Paul VI, SFO Rule 1978

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MAJOR LIFE

• The Franciscan Family
• fired by the Word of God
• lived the Gospel in the Church

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LITTLE FLOWERS OF ST FRANCIS1337Chapter 16
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LITTLE FLOWERS

• The laity were converted by
• prayer and discipline of Francis and friars
• their preaching, teaching
• their presence among laity
• guides in spiritual life
• Grace of God

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LITTLE FLOWERS

• Francis as spiritual assistant
• disposed laity to conversion
• not dependent on him
• not indispensable companion

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LITTLE FLOWERS

• First Franciscans were outstanding
• NOT FOR
• rules
• teaching
• devotions

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LITTLE FLOWERS

• First Franciscans were outstanding
• FOR BEING
• Witnesses to Christ,
• poor and suffering
• Risen and living
• Lord of the universe

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LITTLE FLOWERS

• The friars
• preached the Word of God
• lived the Christ-life as pilgrims
• The joyful poor
• suffering but free

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LITTLE FLOWERS

• The friars
• Animators and guides of the laity
• Brothers, not bosses
• Assistants, not directors

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SPIRITUAL ASSISTANTS

• Messengers and message
• Witnesses of Gospel
• Delegates of major Superiors
• Bond of unity

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SPIRITUAL ASSISTANTS

• Necessary for friars vocation, to share
  Franciscan charism
• Called for others, like St Francis